World Poetry Day 21 March

Every year, on March 21st, we celebrate World Poetry Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the beauty, diversity, and expressive power of poetry. This year, in commemoration of World Poetry Day, UNICEF’s Poems for Peace initiative has once again provided a platform for children and young people from all over the world to share their experiences of conflict and war and to call for peace through poetry.

Now in its fourth year, Poems for Peace aims to give voice to the hopes and fears of young people living in countries affected by conflict and war while also promoting their inclusion in peacebuilding efforts. Through the initiative, UNICEF has received thousands of submissions from children and young people ranging in age from 8 to 24 years old, from countries such as Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Iraq, Mali, Myanmar, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, and this year, more than 1,700 submissions were received from children and young people affected by the war in Ukraine.

These young poets' poems show a deep understanding of how war affects children and their families, as well as a strong sense of hope and determination for the future. UNICEF's Director of Global Communication and Advocacy, Naysan Sahba, says, "The poems submitted have shown us the strength, creativity, and hope that young people have, even in the face of the most difficult problems."

Through Poems for Peace, UNICEF seeks to amplify the voices of young people while inspiring audiences to speak out on the importance of protecting children in armed conflict. Since the initiative’s inception, many of the submissions have been featured on local, national, and international radio stations, and at global events, reaching millions of people worldwide.

This year's young poets include 12-year-old Maria, who was forced from her home in Odessa, Ukraine, due to the war. Despite the challenges she faces, Maria uses her poetry to share her experiences and hopes for peace in her country. As we celebrate World Poetry Day, let's remember that poetry has the power to give a voice to people who aren't often heard. Let's also recommit ourselves to promoting the inclusion of children and young people in efforts to build peace. 

“Dear dad, do you remember what day it is?

Today is my birthday.

The seventh one!

Why didn’t I receive a letter?

Come on, write something good!

Dear dad, I heard grandma saying something about you,

Like you won’t come back home anymore,but is that true?

But there were no more letters from my father

Because somewhere on the far away field,

Filled with dark smoke,

Is lying a dead soldier… “

As we celebrate World Poetry Day, let us remember the power of poetry to give voice to those who are often unheard, and let us renew our commitment to promoting the inclusion of children and young people in peace building efforts.